CBS has more shows about geniuses than any other network ever -- forensic and detective shows, threat-of-the-week shows, The Big Bang Theory -- at least a dozen programs, dwarfing the number of CBS shows about idiots (Big Brother).

As to who played the scorpion and who played the crocodile, I'd give the first title "Scorpion" to Dick Cheney and share the second, "Crocodile" between Bush Jr. and Obama. Cheney injected the venom and Bush and Obama have been drowning in it ever since.

We've sifted through this fall's new stuff for titles that could work for families, plus some classic shows that offer fun watch-together experiences. And remember, there are plenty of family-friendly shows available through streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon.

Imagine secret agent Angus MacGyver with access to the technology of a Fortune 500 aerospace enterprise. But, this time, he's not fighting bad guys. He's facing a challenge that would intimidate even James Bond. He's doing battle with budget.

Last year, some friends asked me to come spend a week with them at their new home in Mexico. "There's just one thing," they told me. "We don't have any furniture in the guest room yet, so you'll be on an air mattress. You don't mind, do you?"

Jacob Zuma's commitment to communism, apparent disdain for free press and alleged meddling in the justice system are enough to raise the hairs on anyone who believes in open, transparent liberal democracy.